Cavs: 1 stud from loss to Memphis – Jarrett Allen
Jarrett Allen is an efficient offensive player, one who tends to take most of his shots at the rim and therefore shoots a high percentage from the field. For his career, he has shot 61.4 percent from the field, and 63.3 percent on 2-pointers.
Right now his season field goal percentage sits at a perfect 100 percent, as Allen went 11-for-11 from the field Wednesday night. Against a tough Memphis front line he was able to make space around the rim for a few dunks and a few hooks, and even confidently stepped out to the free-throw line for his improved jumper. The only time he missed a shot was when he was fouled, preserving the night of perfection.
In all Allen scored 25 points, going 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. Per ESPN, Allen’s perfect shooting game was the best performance in a season opener since 1954; no other player had gone 10-for-10 or better. What’s even crazier is that Allen has done this before, going 11-for-11 in Cleveland’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in February of last season. He’s hit all of his shots in a game (minimum five shot attempts) a whopping nine times in his career.
Allen was not simply a scorer last night, as his rim protection stood out both positively and negatively. He blocked three shots, including a nasty rejection of Jaren Jackson Jr. early in the 4th quarter. When he was off the court, the combination of Kevin Love, Evan Mobley and Lauri Markkanen did little to defend the rim from attacking Grizzlies.
Final Line: 25 points (11-11 from the field), four rebounds, three steals, three blocks, +5